The 2029 Club World Cup could undergo another format change following last year’s edition, with the reported positions of FIFA and UEFA now coming into focus.

Last summer, the soccer world was shaken by the launch of the expanded Club World Cup, which for the first time featured multiple representatives from each confederation. With plans to stage the tournament every four years, FIFA is now reportedly considering another format shift—one that also hinges on UEFA’s stance.

Reports indicate that FIFA’s intention is to mirror what it did with the World Cup and expand the next Club World Cup to 48 teams instead of 32. Such a move would not only increase qualification opportunities, but above all ensure the participation of Europe’s biggest clubs. It’s worth noting that in 2025, giants such as Barcelona, Liverpool and Manchester United failed to qualify for the tournament.

“UEFA is ready to back FIFA’s proposed expansion of the Club World Cup to 48 teams for the next edition in 2029,” The Guardian reported this week, adding that the decision is seen as “a sign of improving relations between their respective presidents, Aleksander Ceferin and Gianni Infantino.”

If confirmed, the report would ease tensions between the two organizations, which in recent years have clashed over differing visions for the future of soccer, as well as the defense of their respective interests.

“The European football governing body had opposed plans to grow the Club World Cup over concerns an expanded tournament could threaten the status of the Champions League, but UEFA is now willing to back FIFA in return for an undertaking that the competition will not be held every two years,” The Guardian added.

Soccer’s increasingly crowded calendar

As has become clear, tensions among soccer’s governing bodies are tied to each organization’s plans to grow and expand its own competitions. After decades of maintaining relative balance in the structure of global tournaments, the sport’s marquee events have undergone significant changes in recent years.

The World Cup had kept the same 32-team format from 1998 through 2022, but beginning with the next edition it will expand to 48 teams with a revamped structure. Meanwhile, similar changes are being discussed for the Club World Cup, which had already introduced a new format in 2025.

At the European level, there have also been major adjustments. A decade ago, UEFA created the UEFA Nations League, giving European national teams a structured calendar of competitive matches against one another. As a consequence, other top national teams such as Brazil and Argentina now struggle to find high-quality opponents for friendlies during FIFA international breaks.

At the club level, the Champions League was also revamped last year after decades under the same structure. The number of qualified teams was increased, the traditional group stage was replaced by a league phase, and a playoff round—effectively a round of 32—was added. In some cases, clubs now play up to four more matches per season than they previously did.

Players are not happy with the changes

While FIFA and UEFA continue to seek ways to increase the scale and frequency of their tournaments to boost revenue, other stakeholders have been far less enthusiastic. For years, several players have spoken out to express their concerns.

They argue that the recent changes, along with future expansion plans, have led to an excessive rise in the number of matches. The result, they say, is greater physical wear and tear on players and, ultimately, a higher risk of injury. Even if that position appears reasonable, it has so far gained little traction at the decision-making level.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup drawing closer, Carlo Ancelotti addressed his future with Brazil.

Carlo Ancelotti faces the enormous challenge of leading Brazil in pursuit of its first World Cup title in 24 years. This summer’s FIFA tournament in North America will mark his first major test since taking over the national team, but he is already thinking about what comes next.

“I think I’m going to renew for four years with Brazil,” Ancelotti said during a recent interview with former Real Madrid icon Jorge Valdano on Movistar Plus. “It’s a new job, and I really like it.”

The Italian coach took over Brazil in May 2025 to finish the World Cup qualifiers after previous managers Fernando Diniz and Dorival Junior were dismissed due to poor results and performances. Ancelotti secured qualification and later had the opportunity to coach several friendlies, experimenting with different options ahead of this year’s FIFA tournament.

Initially, his contract was set to expire after the 2026 World Cup. However, his work in the first months appears to have satisfied the executives at the Brazilian Football Confederation, who had reportedly been negotiating an extension for months — something Carlo has now confirmed himself.

Ancelotti is the highest-paid national team coach in the world. He currently tops the list with a salary of €10 million per year (approximately $11.8 million), ahead of England’s Thomas Tuchel ($6.9 million) and Germany’s Julian Nagelsmann ($5.7 million).

Ancelotti speaks about Vinicius

In another portion of the same interview, Carlo Ancelotti was asked about Vinicius Junior, whom he coached for years at Real Madrid and now again with Brazil. “Brazilians are very humble; they are very different. The Vini who comes here is very different from the one at Real Madrid, speaking from a human perspective,” the coach said.

Those differences have also been noticeable on the field, and on more than one occasion they have drawn criticism toward the winger. Much like what happened for years with Lionel Messi in Argentina, Vinicius has been slammed for not delivering the same performances with Brazil that he does with Real Madrid.

The numbers support that narrative. While Vini ranks among the 17 leading scorers in Real Madrid history with 117 goals in 358 appearances, he has found it more difficult to stand out internationally. With Brazil, Vinicius has scored just eight goals in 45 appearances since making his debut in 2019.

Ancelotti comments on Xabi Alonso’s departure from Real Madrid

Beyond being Brazil’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti remains a major figure at Real Madrid, where he managed in two separate stints and won three UEFA Champions League titles. During the interview with Jorge Valdano, the Italian coach addressed the recent departure of Xabi Alonso.

“Xabi encountered difficulties,” Ancelotti acknowledged, before pointing to a key aspect that Alonso may have struggled to establish. “The ability to adapt is a very important component in a coach’s job. Trying to recreate an environment takes time, and you can’t always achieve it.”

Los Angeles Galaxy need a creative midfielder to replace Riqui Puig and are reportedly targeting a former Brazil and Barcelona star.

The 2026 Major League Soccer season is about to begin, but some clubs are still searching for players to finalize their rosters. That is the case for Los Angeles Galaxy, who will be without Riqui Puig this year due to a serious injury. In his place, they could add a midfielder who previously played for Barcelona and the Brazil national team.

According to Diario AS, Philippe Coutinho is being considered as a potential signing for this season by LA Galaxy after his recent departure from Vasco da Gama. “The 33-year-old midfielder reached an agreement with the Brazilian club and is now a free agent, sparking interest from several teams, including Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles Galaxy,” the report states.

“LA Galaxy have not yet submitted a formal offer, but sources say the club is interested and a move could be discussed soon,” AS adds. In that sense, the California club has considerable time to advance negotiations, given that the MLS transfer window does not close until March 26.

However, to complete Coutinho’s signing, LA Galaxy will first need to address an important issue: they must free up or acquire an international player slot in order to register the Brazilian star. The cost to purchase an additional slot is reportedly around $500,000.

Additionally, even if the deal goes through, Philippe Coutinho would not be eligible as a Designated Player. LA Galaxy’s three DP slots are already filled by Joao Klauss, Gabriel Pec, and Joseph Paintsil. Riqui Puig was removed from that list since he will not be ready to return to the field this season, still recovering from a second knee surgery after an ACL injury suffered in late 2024.

Coutinho could be a top-level addition in MLS

Philippe Coutinho has extensive experience at the elite level of soccer and could be an interesting addition to MLS. He shined for years at Liverpool until Barcelona paid more than $150 million for him in 2018, one of the most expensive transfers in soccer history. At the time, he was also a key player for the Brazil national team, appearing in the 2018 FIFA World Cup and three Copa America tournaments.

However, Coutinho’s star status gradually diminished over the years. He arrived in Spain tasked with replacing Neymar, who had moved to Paris Saint-Germain, but he never met expectations and spent the following years at various clubs—Bayern Munich, Aston Villa, and Al Duhail in Qatar—without ever fully settling in.

Coutinho’s current struggles

After moving between leagues around the world for years, Coutinho returned home in 2024 and joined Vasco da Gama, where he registered 80 appearances and 17 goals until early this year. However, last week the midfielder left the Brazilian club as a free agent.

He explained that the decision was due to the distress caused by criticism from Vasco da Gama fans, who were dissatisfied with his performance. “Being judged by countless people for something that is not part of my character is extremely difficult. I would never disrespect the fans, my teammates, or Vasco. I have never done that anywhere I’ve been,” he wrote on social media.

Finally, Coutinho clarified his main concern at the moment: “I felt and realized that my cycle at the club had ended, and I returned home to prioritize my mental health. That hurts a lot. The truth is, I am very mentally exhausted.”

Lionel Scaloni reportedly has at least 13 players confirmed for Argentina ahead of the Finalissima and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Lionel Messi among them.

In just over a month, Argentina will gather for the first time this year to face Spain in the Finalissima, which will be their last major test before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Lionel Scaloni is finalizing the squad for these matches, with Lionel Messi as the main star.

This week, TyC Sports revealed details about the Argentine coach’s plans for the March FIFA international break, which will be the final opportunity to test players before naming the 26-man roster for the World Cup. It is expected, of course, that Messi will be included.

The Inter Miami forward has avoided confirming his participation in the tournament this summer in North America, saying he first wants to ensure he is physically ready to take on such a challenge. For that reason, the matches against Spain in the Finalissima and the friendly against Qatar, both in March, will likely serve as his final step before making a definitive decision.

Beyond Messi’s situation, another 12 players appear to be confirmed as part of the roster, while a small group of others have strong chances, but depend on their performances in the coming months and on overcoming recent injury issues.

The players reportedly confirmed for Argentina at the World Cup

According to TyC Sports, Lionel Scaloni has confirmed one of the three goalkeepers who will travel to North America: Emiliano Martinez. The Aston Villa star has been a key figure for Argentina in recent years, and his starting spot is unquestioned. What remains to be decided are the two backup goalkeepers, with Geronimo Rulli and Walter Benitez as the main candidates.

In defense, five players appear to be confirmed. The regular full-backs in recent times have been Nahuel Molina and Nicolas Tagliafico, with no other options challenging them for now. Cristian Romero and Nicolas Otamendi are in the same situation, while Manchester United center-back Lisandro Martinez, who has fully recovered and is performing well in the Premier League, also adds depth.

Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Leandro Paredes are the midfielders reportedly guaranteed a spot in Argentina’s roster for the Finalissima and the World Cup. In attack, alongside Lionel Messi, there are two more confirmed names: Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez, despite the latter recently suffering a muscle injury with Inter Milan.

Other Argentine stars fighting for a spot

The 13 players mentioned form the core of Argentina’s lineup over the past two years and will likely continue to do so in the challenges ahead this year. Beyond them, there is a small group of players whose inclusion is very likely, though not entirely certain.

Some cases are due to physical issues, as with Giovani Lo Celso and Nicolas Gonzalez. Both have been important members of the team under Scaloni, but they missed the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar due to injuries and are currently still dealing with issues that put their participation in doubt.

Finally, there are players highly regarded by the coach who have played important roles for the national team in recent years, but whose current performances are not entirely convincing. This includes Gonzalo Montiel, Marcos Acuña, and Thiago Almada. Nevertheless, all of them have strong chances of making the final list.

Barcelona intend to keep Marcus Rashford, and they could achieve that thanks to Manchester United’s interest in a player from the Spanish club.

Marcus Rashford’s future has been a topic of conversation in Barcelona for weeks. The English forward’s performances have made him a valuable member of the squad, but the need to pay Manchester United a considerable fee to make the move permanent is no small matter.

However, the reported interest from the Red Devils in Alejandro Balde could make negotiations between the two clubs much simpler. “Manchester United have entered decisively into the race for the Spanish full-back. From Old Trafford, they believe Balde has room to grow and that the Premier League could be the ideal stage to unlock his potential,” reports Fichajes.

Balde’s current situation is not ideal after bursting onto the scene during the 2021-22 season. At the moment, the defender does not have a guaranteed starting role under Hansi Flick and is competing for a spot in the lineup with Gerard Martin. That reality is reflected in the numbers, as the left-back has started 17 of his 32 appearances this season across La Liga, Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup, and UEFA Champions League.

“The proposal is already on the table and is around €40 million (approximately $44 million). A significant figure, especially for a player who is not guaranteed a starting role next season,” Fichajes adds in its report.

Manchester United’s interest in Alejandro Balde comes amid uncertainty surrounding the team’s full-back situation. Under Michael Carrick, Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw appear to have established themselves as the primary options, but doubts remain regarding Noussair Mazraoui and Tyrell Malacia.

Could Manchester United’s interest in Balde help Rashford?

If the reports are confirmed and Manchester United formally pursue Alejandro Balde, Barcelona would effectively have two parallel negotiations underway with the English club. The relationship between the two sides began last summer, when they agreed to a one-year loan for Marcus Rashford that included a purchase option of approximately $32 million.

Reports indicate that Barcelona intend to negotiate a reduction in that fee to complete the permanent signing of the forward without further straining the club’s finances, which have been weakened in recent years.

However, Manchester United have reportedly ruled out that possibility entirely and, according to Daily Mirror, even regret the value originally set in the agreement with Barcelona, given Rashford’s performances this season and the belief that his market value could now be nearly double the amount in the clause. With Alejandro Balde included in the negotiations, both sides might now have a chance to reach an agreement.

James Rodriguez’s Minnesota United will make their 2026 Major League Soccer debut this Saturday against Austin FC.

The signing of James Rodriguez by Minnesota United was the most significant transfer in Major League Soccer ahead of the 2026 season, as he is a global superstar who shined for years in Europe and continues to perform at a high level internationally with Colombia. This Saturday, the club opens its season against Austin FC, and all eyes are on the 34-year-old star.

“James Rodriguez has received his work visa and can now train, play in matches for Minnesota United FC,” reporter Andy Greder wrote on his official X account Wednesday. “The paperwork hurdle is cleared, but the question about his debut date is up in the air.”

Rodriguez was officially announced as a Minnesota signing nearly two weeks ago but had not been able to fully integrate with his new club due to pending administrative procedures, similar to what happened with Inter Miami’s Tadeo Allende and German Berterame.

With those issues now resolved, the question is whether the midfielder will be ready to be considered for Saturday’s match. “While James Rodriguez has his work visa to play for Minnesota United, the Colombian did NOT travel with team to Austin on Wednesday,” Greder clarified.

James making memories ✍️ pic.twitter.com/ZhOkGCrYwQ

— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) February 14, 2026

“Loons coach Cam Knowles talks on Friday,” the report added, suggesting he will likely provide a clearer update on James’ status. “Colombian has a few official days of prep before Minnesota opens MLS season Saturday at Austin FC.”

When was James Rodriguez’s last official match?

Questions surrounding James Rodriguez’s availability for Saturday are understandable. Despite his undeniable talent, he is nearly 35 years old and has not trained regularly with his teammates over the past two weeks due to those administrative delays.

With only three days before Minnesota United’s 2026 MLS opener against Austin FC, it will be up to the player and the coaching staff to determine whether it is best for him to see action immediately with his new club.

If he does feature, it would mark Rodriguez’s first official match in more than three months. The last time the midfielder played was with the Colombia national team in a friendly against Australia on November 18 of last year. He played the full 90 minutes and scored one of the goals in a 3-0 victory.

At the club level, James Rodriguez’s inactivity stretches even further. He concluded his time with Leon of Mexico in the Liga MX Apertura 2025 on November 8 with a 2-1 loss to Puebla. After that, he parted ways with the Mexican club and has not played an official match since.

With Barcelona’s presidential elections drawing closer, Lionel Messi has now been mentioned in connection with the potential signing of Erling Haaland.

Lionel Messi has been one of the most frequently mentioned names throughout Barcelona’s presidential campaign. All candidates have addressed his situation, offering different views on the role he could play at the club moving forward. In this case, the Argentine forward was brought up in relation to the possible signing of Erling Haaland.

“In the coming days we will explain the proposal we have been working on for years to reconcile with Messi,” Marc Ciria said this week in an interview with Cadena SER. “We know that Messi’s future is linked to Barcelona. He wants to heal the emotional wound with the club and become a strategic partner.”

Those comments are consistent with what the candidate has said in recent months. Barcelona not only remain indebted to Messi after the turbulent circumstances of his 2021 departure, but they also view him as essential in building the club’s sporting structure for the years ahead.

That includes the transfer strategy. When asked about the possible signing of elite stars, including Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, Ciria was clear: “To sign Haaland, we must bring Messi back as a strategic partner.”

How Messi would help facilitate Haaland’s signing, according to Ciria

Marc Ciria’s recent statements make clear his belief that repairing the relationship with Lionel Messi is essential to planning Barcelona’s sporting future. The presidential candidate has expanded on that logic in the past.

“Messi’s return would generate 200 million euros,” Ciria said in a December interview, pointing specifically to the Argentine forward’s commercial value. “The increase in revenue that this deal would provide is essential. An agreement with Messi is almost vital for Barca.”

Based on those remarks, Ciria’s plan envisions Lionel Messi’s return generating significant revenue that would allow Barcelona to navigate the financial struggles of recent years. In turn, the Spanish club would be in a position to seriously negotiate the signing of top-tier stars such as Erling Haaland — a move that currently appears financially out of reach.

Ciria doubles down on Messi’s return to Barcelona

Alongside those interview remarks, Marc Ciria this week presented an action plan that includes diagnoses and proposed solutions to Barcelona’s current challenges. Unsurprisingly, Lionel Messi played a central role.

“We are very aware of what moves the hearts of the fans. And Messi still makes them beat,” the candidate said. “Leo has never fully left, and that’s why we want him to return with everything he represents. We have a plan.” Those words were accompanied by a mural in Barcelona depicting Messi holding the No. 10 jersey alongside the message: “Looking forward to seeing you again.”

Los Angeles FC defeated Real España in the Concacaf Champions Cup, and Son Heung-min delivered a standout performance.

Los Angeles FC made their official debut of the 2026 season this Tuesday with a commanding 6-1 victory over Real España of Honduras in the Concacaf Champions Cup. Son Heung-min was the star of the match, helping him reach an impressive record.

“Heung-Min Son is only the second player to provide three assists and score a goal in the first half of a Champions Cup match,” said sports statistics expert MisterChip on his X account, clarifying that this stat only applies to the modern era of the tournament, since its restructuring in 2008.

The South Korean forward was key to LAFC’s victory. In the 11th minute, he assisted David Martinez for the 2-0 lead, and moments later scored a penalty himself to extend the advantage. He then set up Denis Bouanga for the fourth goal and contributed to Timothy Tillman’s fifth goal before halftime.

In nearly two decades of Concacaf Champions Cup history, only once had a player produced such a first-half performance. The only precedent is Argentine forward Franco Jara, who posted the same numbers during Pachuca’s 11-0 win over Police United of Belize in 2016.

Son rested with Inter Miami clash in mind

After that brilliant first half, LAFC slowed down after the break, which showed in the match’s pace. The hosts allowed Real España to reduce the deficit early in the second half, and coach Marc Dos Santos decided to give several key players rest.

Son Heung-min was substituted in the 62nd minute for Nathan Ordaz and was off the field when Bouanga scored LAFC’s sixth and final goal. The forward’s exit was clearly intended to preserve his fitness ahead of crucial upcoming matches.

Next week, LAFC will face the second leg against Real España in California, aiming to secure qualification to the round of 16 of the Concacaf Champions Cup. But before that, they have an even tougher challenge: the MLS 2026 season opener on Saturday against Inter Miami. Messi’s availability, however, remains uncertain due to fitness concerns.

Another record for Son

In addition to his key contributions to LAFC’s 6-1 win over Real España, Son Heung-min also etched his name into his country’s soccer history. With his penalty goal, he became the first South Korean player to score in the Concacaf Champions Cup.

Inter Miami received positive news regarding Lionel Messi just days before their matchup against Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer.

Inter Miami are just days away from officially starting their 2026 season. They will make their Major League Soccer debut this Saturday on the road against Los Angeles FC, and all eyes are on Lionel Messi’s fitness.

The 38-year-old forward had raised concerns last week after a muscle issue kept him out of the friendly against Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico, forcing that match to be postponed to February 26. That situation also cast doubt on Messi’s availability for the MLS opener, but those worries now appear to be easing.

“Lionel Messi is in this morning’s training,” journalist Jose Armando reported Wednesday on his official X account. The report was quickly followed by a video showing the Argentine star taking part in ball exercises. “Lionel Messi in very good spirits and back with his teammates.”

This is reassuring news for Inter Miami, who just a few days ago were genuinely concerned about the fitness of their most important player at a crucial moment of the year. Still, these positive signs have not yet been accompanied by official confirmation regarding Messi’s availability for Saturday’s match, which will likely depend on how he feels during the remaining training sessions this week.

Lionel Messi de muy buen ánimo y de regreso con sus compañeros.

La única ausencia de Inter Miami es Sergio Reguilón quien sigue sin realizar trabajos en cancha.#InterMiamiCF #Messi pic.twitter.com/RXe97WnKcO

— José Armando (@Jarm21) February 18, 2026

Messi can’t take any risks right now

From past seasons, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami have learned important lessons. In both 2024 and 2025, the forward missed games due to muscle problems that, rather than resolving quickly, lingered for several weeks. In his eagerness to return to competition, Messi sometimes accelerated his recovery timeline, which in certain cases proved counterproductive.

This year, the risk could be even greater. Beyond club commitments, Messi faces two major challenges with Argentina: the March Finalissima against Spain and the 2026 FIFA World Cup from June to July.

The forward has not yet confirmed his participation in the tournament in North America and has made it clear that the decision will depend on how he feels physically. Any muscle discomfort will need careful attention to avoid aggravating injuries that could potentially affect his chances of playing with Argentina.

Inter Miami prepare to face LAFC

While Lionel Messi’s fitness is Inter Miami’s biggest concern right now, it is not the only one. Just three days before the MLS opener against LAFC, the Herons received important news regarding another star of the squad.

“German Berterame received his work permit. He is already training with the team and will be available this weekend,” Jose Armando wrote Wednesday. “The only absence for Inter Miami is Sergio Reguilon, who is still not doing on-field work.” With this scenario, head coach Javier Mascherano will have almost all of his players available to start the 2026 MLS season.

After the controversy involving Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr coach Jorge Jesus addressed comparisons between his team and Al Hilal.

In recent weeks, Cristiano Ronaldo has been under the spotlight not for his goals but for his controversial decision to miss two Al Nassr matches as a protest over the alleged disparity in support from the Public Investment Fund compared to Al Hilal. Now, coach Jorge Jesus has spoken on the matter.

“I’ve already been at Al Hilal. I’ve been on the other side, so I know what that’s like. They have more economic power,” Jorge Jesus recently said when asked about the topic, according to Goal. “When I was there, I benefited as a coach. It’s normal.”

The Portuguese coach worked at Al Hilal between July 2023 and May 2025. That means he oversaw the construction of the star-studded squad assembled in the summer of 2023, during the first major wave of Saudi Pro League signings following Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival.

Stars such as Neymar, Bono, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Aleksander Mitrovic, Kalidou Koulibaly, Joao Cancelo, Ruben Neves, and Malcom were part of Al Hilal’s roster during that period, contributing in various degrees to the Saudi Pro League 2023-24 title, the King Cup 2023-24, and the Saudi Super Cup in 2023 and 2024.

Jorge Jesus confident about closing the gap between Al Nassr and Al Hilal

In the same conversation, the coach discussed how his perspective has changed now that Al Hilal are a rival. “Al-Nassr, with different resources, have to compete for the top spots. We have to continue to be strong,” Jesus said. “That’s why I was hired, to reduce the gap between Al Hilal and Al Nassr, in terms of titles and points. And that’s what we’re doing.”

From Jorge Jesus’ comments, it may sound as though Al Nassr are a modest club making enormous efforts to compete against far more powerful giants. But the reality is not quite that simple. In fact, they have the highest-paid player in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Last summer, Al Nassr also signed three European stars: Inigo Martinez, a key center back for Barcelona; Kingsley Coman, a winger for Bayern Munich and the France national team; and Joao Felix, Ronaldo’s teammate on the Portugal national team. Combined with established stars already on the roster such as Marcelo Brozovic and Sadio Mane, those additions have made Al Nassr an extremely competitive side.

How the Saudi Pro League title race stands

Al Nassr opened the season in impressive fashion, winning 10 consecutive matches. However, a dip in form cost them the top spot in the Saudi Pro League to Al Hilal. The current leaders sit at the top with 53 points, one more than Cristiano Ronaldo’s team.

“We are in the championship fight, we are one point behind the leaders, something Al-Nassr hasn’t been able to do,” Jorge Jesus emphasized. “In recent years, Al-Nassr has finished 16 or 14 points behind the lead. This year we don’t want that to happen, I don’t know what will happen. We are confident that we can compete for the top spots until the end.”

With just over a month to go before the Finalissima against Spain, Argentina received troubling news regarding a La Liga winger.

The March international break will be the final opportunity for coaches to experiment ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, some national teams will face official competition, including playoffs to determine the final spots in the tournament. Argentina and Spain are in a similar situation, as they will meet to decide the Finalissima title. One La Liga player is now in doubt due to physical issues.

“Nico Gonzalez has suffered a muscle tear,” journalist Gaston Edul reported on his official X account. The Argentine winger sustained the injury after playing the full 90 minutes for Atletico Madrid in Sunday’s 3-0 La Liga loss to Rayo Vallecano.

“It’s a 21-day recovery. The Argentina national team will travel in 35 days to begin preparations for the Finalissima,” Edul added. He was optimistic about Gonzalez’s timeline: “He has time to recover physically.” The next FIFA international window will begin after the weekend of March 22 and run until club competitions resume the weekend of April 4.

That gives Nicolas Gonzalez more than a month to return to action. However, the coaching staff led by Lionel Scaloni typically avoids calling up players who are coming off physical setbacks unless they have logged minutes with their clubs first. The approach ensures full recovery while also preventing potential friction with those teams. As a result, the winger’s timeline may be tighter than it initially appears.

Nicolas Gonzalez has previously missed key matches with Argentina

Argentina will face Spain in the Finalissima on Friday, March 27, in Doha, Qatar. Four days later, they will play the hosts in a friendly that will serve as the final match before Lionel Scaloni submits his official World Cup roster.

With Nicolas Gonzalez’s availability for the clash against Spain now uncertain, it could mirror what happened ahead of the 2022 World Cup. The winger entered that tournament as a key piece of the squad, having played an important role in the 2021 Copa America triumph. However, a late injury in the days leading up to the tournament in Qatar ruled him out, and his spot was ultimately taken by Thiago Almada.

How many Atletico Madrid matches will Nicolas Gonzalez miss?

While Argentina are concerned about Nicolas Gonzalez’s fitness ahead of the Finalissima, Atletico Madrid are the most immediately affected by the setback. The Spanish side will be without the 27-year-old forward for at least the next six matches.

Gonzalez will miss Wednesday’s clash against Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League playoffs, as well as next week’s second leg. In addition, he is set to miss at least three La Liga matches against Espanyol, Real Oviedo, and Real Sociedad. And that’s not all: he will also be unavailable for the crucial Copa del Rey semifinal showdown against Barcelona, where Los Colchoneros will defend their 4-0 advantage from the first leg.

As rumors of a possible move to the Premier League continue to grow, AC Milan have reportedly set an asking price for Christian Pulisic.

AC Milan are enjoying an extremely positive season in Serie A, battling Inter Milan for the top spot in the standings. A major reason for that success has been Christian Pulisic, whose impressive performances have attracted interest from Premier League clubs.

Manchester United have emerged as one of the teams most interested in signing Pulisic, who previously played in England with Chelsea from 2019 to 2023. In addition to the Red Devils, reports have also mentioned potential interest from Tottenham Hotspur.

In that context, the Italian side has decided it will not let Christian Pulisic leave unless it receives a significant financial offer that fully meets its demands. “Milan have set an asking price close to €80 million for the forward, who is under contract until 2027,” BeInSports reported Tuesday.

That figure, nearly $95 million, represents a considerable amount, but not an impossible one for certain Premier League clubs. In fact, during last summer’s transfer window, Manchester United spent more than $260 million on the signings of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo.

The record Pulisic would break if sold for $95 million

While concrete progress in negotiations has yet to materialize, if Christian Pulisic were to complete a transfer for the reported fee, he would become the most expensive sale in AC Milan history.

To date, the player for whom the Italian side received the highest transfer fee is Kaka. The Brazilian midfielder was transferred to Real Madrid in the summer of 2009, two years after winning the Ballon d’Or, for approximately $80 million.

Further down the list are other stars such as Sandro Tonali, sold to Newcastle United in 2023 for $75 million; Tijjani Reijnders, transferred to Manchester City last year for $63 million; and Andriy Shevchenko, signed by Chelsea in 2006 for $50 million.

Pulisic’s performances this season with Milan

The high price Milan have reportedly placed on Christian Pulisic aligns with the level he has shown on the field throughout the season. The American forward has made 21 appearances across Serie A, Coppa Italia, and the Supercoppa Italiana, recording 10 goals and 2 assists.

Pulisic currently ranks as the second-leading scorer in Serie A with 8 goals, trailing only Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez, who has 14. However, the Argentine forward has played 25 matches, while the USMNT star has appeared in just 17 due to recurring injury issues.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup fast approaching, Lionel Messi could see the return of an Argentine star who retired from international soccer years ago.

In just four months, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be in full swing. All eyes will be on Argentina, the reigning champions and one of the favorites to lift the trophy. Lionel Messi has yet to confirm his participation in the tournament, but the potential return of a star player could influence his decision.

In a video recently posted on social media, 1978 World Cup winner Ubaldo Fillol spoke about the possible return of Angel Di Maria to the national team. “I found out that the coaching staff and some players are talking to him to come back,” said the former goalkeeper. “He is one of the players I believe will be there, it’s a hunch. I think they will convince him to play in the next World Cup.”

Di Maria has been a key figure for Argentina for more than 15 years. He played in four World Cups (2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022), six Copa Americas, the 2022 Finalissima, a U-20 World Cup, and the 2008 Beijing Olympics. In total, he won two youth-level titles and four senior-level trophies, including the 2022 Qatar World Cup, where he delivered a standout performance in the final against France.

After winning the 2024 Copa America, the winger decided to end his international career, stating: “I think I completed a cycle. I conquered everything I wanted, there’s a young generation coming behind me, and I felt it was the right moment to step aside.” At the time of his retirement from the national team, Angel Di Maria had recorded 145 appearances and 31 goals for Argentina between 2008 and 2024.

What is Di Maria’s status now?

After leaving the Argentina national team, Angel Di Maria continued his career in Europe for one more year with Benfica. After competing in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, he ended his contract with the Portuguese side and returned home to play his final years with Rosario Central.

Since then, the 38-year-old winger has appeared in 22 matches for the club, across the Liga Profesional de Futbol and Copa Argentina, scoring 10 goals and providing 4 assists. His performances have earned recognition from fans, making a notable impact even at his advanced age.

Fillol surprised by Di Maria’s performances

Like many, Ubaldo Fillol was skeptical about the level Angel Di Maria could display in the Argentine league after returning at 37 and nearly two decades in Europe. “I thought he was like any other former player, coming back to finish his career in the country. But Di Maria is splendid, he’s happy because he’s in his country,” said the former goalkeeper.

The 1978 World Cup winner even compared the Rosario Central player to Lionel Messi in terms of current form, rating the Argentine league above MLS. “I see Di Maria in great shape, comparing him to Leo Messi. Leo is in a league that isn’t very competitive, and Argentine soccer is,” Fillol said.

“Here, they don’t give you anything, they don’t give you space, and he’s doing very well,” the Argentine legend praised Di Maria’s performance. “He has speed, spark, and can score… From what I see, he is capable of playing in the World Cup, without a doubt.”

Barcelona are closely monitoring the fitness of Marcus Rashford and Raphinha ahead of their upcoming clash against Girona.

Barcelona are coming off a tough 4-0 loss to Atletico Madrid last Thursday in the Copa del Rey. While they continue to look ahead to the second leg of that tie, they must first shift their focus to Monday’s La Liga matchup against Girona, with particular attention on the physical condition of Raphinha and Marcus Rashford.

In the defeat to Los Colchoneros, head coach Hansi Flick was unable to count on Raphinha due to a hamstring issue. The same injury had already sidelined the winger for the previous Copa del Rey match against Albacete, as well as the La Liga game against Mallorca.

However, Raphinha’s recovery is trending in a positive direction, and he is expected to return against Girona. According to Sport, he took part in Saturday’s training session with the rest of the squad and showed no setbacks, much like he did during Friday’s workout.

The Brazilian star’s return would be a major boost for Flick, who considers him a key piece of the team and has only left him out when forced to do so by injury. So far this season, Raphinha has recorded 13 goals and five assists in 22 appearances across La Liga, the Copa del Rey, the Spanish Super Cup and the UEFA Champions League.

Bad news regarding Marcus Rashford

While Raphinha’s progress is encouraging, the same cannot be said for Marcus Rashford. The England forward also missed the match against Atletico Madrid and, unlike his teammate, appears unlikely to recover in time to face Girona.

Sport reports that Rashford did not participate in Saturday’s training session, as he has not fully recovered from a knee knock suffered last weekend against Mallorca. Given the circumstances, it seems doubtful that Marcus will be able to train at full capacity on Sunday, which all but rules him out for Monday’s game.

Problems for Hansi Flick

When assembling the squad for this season, it was clear that Barcelona planned to prioritize their primary attacking trio of Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, a combination that delivered strong results last year. However, injuries have complicated those plans.

Lewandowski has dealt with physical issues that allowed Ferran Torres to take on a bigger role. Meanwhile, Raphinha has at times had to give up his spot on the left wing to Marcus Rashford for similar reasons. The England forward has delivered when called upon, tallying 10 goals and 13 assists in 34 appearances.

At the moment, though, Barcelona may be without both options on the left side, as Raphinha and Rashford are each dealing with fitness concerns. Last Thursday, Flick addressed the issue by inserting Dani Olmo into the lineup, but the move did not produce the desired results. Heading into the Girona match, it remains to be seen whether the coach sticks with that approach or looks for alternative solutions.

Harry Kane surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo, but Lionel Messi remains the fastest player to reach 500 goals.

Harry Kane reached the remarkable milestone of 500 career goals, placing him in an exclusive group of players to achieve that mark. The England forward did it in fewer matches than Cristiano Ronaldo, though he still cannot match the pace set by Lionel Messi.

On Saturday, Bayern Munich secured a convincing 3-0 road win over Werder Bremen, strengthening their position at the top of the Bundesliga standings with a six-point lead over Borussia Dortmund. Kane played a decisive role, scoring the team’s first two goals in the opening half.

With that performance, Harry Kane became the 27th player in soccer history to reach 500 career goals, according to the IFFHS. What makes the achievement stand out is the speed at which he got there: just 743 matches, an average of 0.67 goals per game.

Not even Cristiano Ronaldo reached the milestone that quickly. Although he is currently the all-time leading scorer in soccer history, the Portuguese forward needed more matches to score his first 500 goals. He reached that mark in September 2015 while playing for Real Madrid, doing so in 753 games.

Of course, Ronaldo maintained his scoring pace afterward, and over the past 10 years he has nearly doubled that tally. CR7 now has 962 career goals and is closing in on a feat no player has ever achieved: 1,000 official goals.

How long did it take Messi to score 500 official goals?

When discussing the greatest scorers in soccer history, it is impossible not to mention Lionel Messi. He has gone head-to-head with Cristiano Ronaldo throughout his career and continues to do so, as he currently ranks second on the all-time scoring list and remains the other active player with a realistic chance of reaching 1,000 goals.

Messi’s greatness is also reflected in how quickly he has reached those milestones. He is the fastest player ever to score 500 official goals, achieving the feat with Barcelona in April 2016 after just 632 matches. In other words, Messi needed 111 fewer games than Kane to hit the same number.

Where has Harry Kane scored most of his goals?

The vast majority of Harry Kane’s 500 career goals have come at the club level. Most of them were scored with Tottenham Hotspur, where he spent the bulk of his career, netting 280 goals between 2011 and 2023. Early in his career in England, he also had brief spells with clubs such as Leyton Orient, Millwall, Norwich City and Leicester City, totaling 16 goals combined.

However, Kane’s most efficient stretch has come in Germany. Since joining Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023, he has scored 126 goals in 131 matches, averaging nearly one goal per game.

All told, Kane has scored 422 goals at the club level. The remaining goals that bring him to 500 have come with the England national team. He is The Three Lions’ all-time leading scorer, with 78 goals in 122 appearances between 2015 and 2025.

Real Madrid face Real Sociedad in La Liga, and Kylian Mbappe is not in the starting lineup.

This Saturday, Real Madrid will play a key La Liga Matchday 24 clash against Real Sociedad. It’s an important game for Los Blancos, as the standings at the top are very tight, with Barcelona currently in first place. Despite the significance of the match, Kylian Mbappe will not start.

Just over an hour before kickoff at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, Real Madrid shared the confirmed lineup on their official social media accounts, highlighting the absence of the French forward.

Mbappe will begin the match on the bench, waiting for an opportunity to come on in the second half and continue extending his impressive goal-scoring streak this season, which currently makes him the top scorer in both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.

The reason coach Alvaro Arbeloa did not include Kylian in the starting XI is related to the physical issues he has experienced recently, which prevented him from taking part in several training sessions with his teammates this week.

📋✅ Our starting XI!
🆚 @RealSociedadEN pic.twitter.com/boFZ3Zglfs

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) February 14, 2026

How are Real Madrid covering for Mbappe’s absence?

It’s clear that Kylian Mbappe’s absence dramatically changes the team’s dynamics. Since last year, and especially this season, Real Madrid’s offensive strategy has revolved around creating the best conditions for the French forward to shine.

Without him, the attacking responsibility falls primarily on Vinicius Junior, the team’s other standout star, though his style and area of influence are very different from Mbappe’s. Supporting the Brazilian winger will be Gonzalo Garcia, who will take on the role of center forward.

Key clash in La Liga

While Real Madrid’s 2025-26 season has been far from ideal, with disappointments in the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup, that doesn’t mean their chances of competing for major titles are over. On the contrary, they are still very much alive both domestically and in Europe.

As they prepare for the Champions League playoffs against Benfica, Los Blancos know they cannot afford to neglect La Liga. They currently sit in second place in the standings, just one point behind league leaders Barcelona. Barcelona will play Girona on Monday, so a win for Real Madrid this Saturday against Real Sociedad would put them, at least temporarily, at the top of the table.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored the opener for Al Nassr against Al Fateh in the Saudi Pro League.

This Saturday, Cristiano Ronaldo returned to official action with Al Nassr after a voluntary two-week absence, and he did so in style. He scored the opener for his team in the Saudi Pro League clash against Al Fateh.

Those days of conflict between CR7 and the Public Investment Fund — sparked by certain decisions during the transfer window that led the Portuguese star to refuse to play in the previous two Saudi Pro League matches as a form of protest — are now in the past.

Al Nassr welcomed Ronaldo back for Saturday’s clash against Al Fateh, allowing head coach Jorge Jesus to deploy his preferred attacking setup, with Kingsley Coman and Sadio Mane on the wings, Joao Felix operating as the attacking midfielder and Cristiano serving as the focal point up front.

Under that setup, Al Nassr got off to an ideal start, needing just 17 minutes to break through. Ronaldo initiated the move by carrying the ball into the attacking half before laying it off to Sadio Mane and making his way into the box to await the return pass. The Senegal international delivered, sending in a precise cross that CR7 calmly finished to open the scoring.

What a finish from Ronaldo.pic.twitter.com/9jgPrjmC87 https://t.co/5BjY7nPAMe

— Al Nassr Zone (@TheNassrZone) February 14, 2026

After the opener, Al Nassr came close to extending their lead in an attack where Joao Felix took a shot, the ball traveled across the box in front of goal, but Ronaldo couldn’t get a touch. The hosts also had their chances, the clearest being a free kick from Matias Vargas that rattled the crossbar.

Yahya scores another goal for Al Nassr

In the second half, things didn’t change much. Al Nassr continued to look like the better-organized team on the field and came close to extending their lead on multiple occasions. However, saves from goalkeeper Pacheco and some finishing errors kept them from doing so.

In that context, they could have secured some breathing room midway through the second half, when Mohamed Simakan scored a second goal after capitalizing on a rebound inside the box. But after a VAR review that lasted several minutes, the goal was ruled out for a prior offside.

That frustration didn’t last long, though, as in the 77th minute Kingsley Coman delivered a precise cross that found Ayman Yahya in the box. The Saudi winger, who had come on just minutes earlier for Sadio Mane, controlled the ball and unleashed an impressive shot that made it 2-0.

Al Nassr and Al Fateh face off in the Saudi Pro League, and all eyes are on Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Saudi Pro League is entering its decisive stretch, and the battle at the top of the table is growing increasingly intense. Al Nassr are determined to fight until the end, and to do that, they need a win this Saturday against Al Fateh. Cristiano Ronaldo once again commands the spotlight.

The Portuguese forward was at the center of widespread speculation in recent weeks after declining to play for Al Nassr in their previous two Saudi Pro League matches, reportedly as a way to express his dissatisfaction with the Public Investment Fund over transfer market decisions.

Although Al Nassr still managed to win those matchups against Al Riyadh and Al Ittihad, Ronaldo’s absence was noticeable and contributed to efforts to reach a peaceful resolution. After two weeks, the situation was finally clarified, and CR7 agreed to return to action this Saturday against Al Fateh.

As a result, head coach Jorge Jesus will once again have his biggest star available as Al Nassr look to secure another victory and remain within striking distance of the top of the standings. Al Hilal currently lead the league after defeating Al Ettifaq 2-0 on Friday, with Al Ahli three points behind them. Al Nassr sit one point behind the latter, but have played one fewer match, meaning a win on Saturday could move them even closer to the summit.

Probable lineup for Al Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo’s return is undoubtedly the biggest news for Al Nassr heading into Saturday’s match. His presence allows Jorge Jesus to field his primary attacking weapons once again, making his squad one of the most dangerous in the Saudi Pro League.

The projected starting lineup for Al Nassr against Al Fateh is: Bento; Sultan Al Ghanam, Mohamed Simakan, Inigo Martinez, Nawaf Boushal; Marcelo Brozovic, Abdullah Al Khaibari; Kingsley Coman, Joao Felix, Sadio Mane; Cristiano Ronaldo.

Probable lineup for Al Fateh

Al Fateh find themselves in a very different position than Al Nassr. They currently sit 10th in the standings with 24 points, 29 behind league leaders Al Hilal. With the title race realistically out of reach, they will look to make a statement against Cristiano Ronaldo and company.

The projected starting lineup for Al Fateh against Al Nassr is: Fernando Pacheco; Abdulaziz Al Suwailem, Marwane Saadane, Jorge Fernandes, Saeed Baattia; Naif Masoud, Zaydou Youssouf, Sofiane Bendebka; Matias Vargas, Wesley Delgado, Fahad Aqeel Al Zubaidi.

In a move reminiscent of Major League Soccer, Japan’s top division has adopted a rule designed to eliminate draws.

As the game continues to evolve, soccer has undergone significant changes in how it is played and governed. The introduction of technology has been the defining shift of this century, but new rules are also created regularly to address specific needs. Now, the Japanese league has taken a step that mirrors certain aspects of MLS.

During the first half of the year, the J-League will hold a “transition season” lasting only a few months, through the summer. The goal is to align its calendar and transfer windows with Europe’s, shifting to a schedule that runs from August to May.

Alongside that adjustment, the league will introduce an unusual rule. Draws will be eliminated, so if a match is tied at the end of regulation, it will go directly to a penalty shootout to determine a winner.

This change also brings a new points system. A team that wins in regulation will continue to earn three points, while the loser receives none. If the match is tied after 90 minutes, each team will secure one point, with an additional point awarded to the shootout winner.

The new format creates a wide range of potential outcomes that could significantly impact the standings, potentially proving decisive in title races, qualification for continental competitions, and relegation battles. According to Sport, the goal is to “increase excitement and competitiveness in every match.”

Differences from MLS rules

Major League Soccer features certain similarities to this J-League innovation, though key differences remain. For starters, during the regular season, MLS allows draws, with each team earning one point, as is standard in most leagues worldwide.

The primary distinction comes in the playoffs. In the first round, MLS uses an uncommon format: instead of a two-leg series, it is a best-of-three matchup. That structure requires a winner in each game, meaning tied matches go straight to a penalty shootout.

However, unlike the new system in Japan, an MLS shootout win is treated the same as a regulation victory in the playoffs. In other words, if a team wins on penalties after a 90-minute draw, it is officially recorded as a win, with the opponent receiving a loss, just as if the result had been decided in regulation.

All of these innovations are designed to provide greater entertainment for fans while addressing the specific competitive needs of each league. The J-League experiment will be evaluated over the coming months, after which officials will determine whether it has been successful enough to implement long term — and perhaps even serve as a model beyond Japan.

Wrexham beat Ipswich Town 1-0 to advance to the fifth round of the 2025-26 FA Cup.

Wrexham secured a crucial victory in Friday’s fourth-round clash of the 2025-26 FA Cup, winning 1-0 in Wales thanks to a first-half goal from Josh Windass. The win against Ipswich Town allowed the Red Dragons to end a nearly 30-year wait for success in the competition.

For both clubs, Friday’s match came at a time when most of their focus is on the Championship, where they are pushing to climb the table and move closer to promotion to the Premier League. In that context, each coach took a different approach: Phil Parkinson fielded most of Wrexham’s key stars, while Ipswich Town coach Kieran McKenna rested several of his top players.

That decision proved decisive in the first half, as Wrexham capitalized on their advantage. Josh Windass latched onto a shot from Longman and calmly finished inside the box to put the hosts ahead.

After the break, the visitors made substitutions to bring on some of their best players, hoping to turn the match around. However, Wrexham defended resolutely and held on for a historic victory, reaching the fourth round of the FA Cup for the first time in 29 years. The last time they advanced this far was in the 1996-97 season, when they went on to the quarterfinals.

Son Heung-min’s Los Angeles FC could soon lose Denis Bouanga, even after his failed transfer from Major League Soccer to Brazil’s Serie A.

Son Heung-min‘s Los Angeles FC are just days away from starting their 2026 season. However, before that kickoff, the team’s attention is focused on the situation of Denis Bouanga, one of their top stars, who was close to leaving Major League Soccer for Brazil’s Serie A.

Over the past week, LAFC and Fluminense advanced in negotiations for the Gabon forward’s transfer. In fact, Globoesporte reported that the clubs had reached an agreement to make the move happen for around $15 million.

However, just when the deal seemed set, things unexpectedly fell apart. “LAFC and Fluminense negotiations for Denis Bouanga are stalled as the MLS side has not yet found a suitable replacement,” reported Transfermarkt. The concern from the California club is understandable, given the huge impact the player has had on the team in recent seasons.

Bouanga has spent four years in Los Angeles, establishing himself as one of the best players in MLS. He has 101 goals in 152 matches and is considered a key player alongside Son Heung-min. That’s why his departure would be unacceptable unless another Designated Player capable of filling his role arrives—a prospect that seems unlikely so close to the start of the season.

LAFC could lose Bouanga soon anyway

Even though Denis Bouanga’s move to Fluminense appears collapsed, that doesn’t mean the California side can relax about the forward. “The player warned LAFC to find a replacement, because he wants to leave in the middle of the year,” reported MLS specialist Cristian Moraes on X.

If this report is accurate, it means Los Angeles FC have only postponed the problem. Even if Bouanga stays for the season opener, his long-term future with the club looks uncertain, potentially leading to his departure in the summer, midseason in 2026.

Upcoming challenges for LAFC

Concerns over Denis Bouanga’s future come at the worst possible time for LAFC. They will officially kick off the 2026 season in just a few days, competing in two tournaments simultaneously.

On Wednesday, February 18, LAFC will begin their Concacaf Champions Cup campaign against Real España of Honduras. The first leg will take place at Francisco Morazan Stadium in San Pedro Sula, with the return leg in California a week later.

In the middle of those two matches, the team faces an even tougher challenge. On Saturday, February 21, the 2026 MLS season opens with LAFC hosting reigning champions Inter Miami. This match is highly anticipated, featuring Son Heung-min and Lionel Messi on opposite sides, though the Argentina star’s fitness now raises questions about his availability.

A former teammate of Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr spoke about the challenges he faced during his time in the Saudi Pro League.

In recent weeks, certain difficulties faced by some stars of the Saudi Pro League have become more apparent than ever. Cristiano Ronaldo was at the center of attention after refusing to play two matches for Al Nassr, and now a former teammate has opened up about the struggles he experienced during his time there.

Aymeric Laporte recently gave an interview to RMC and reflected on his days at Al Nassr. “I’d never said this before, but from the first year in Saudi Arabia I realised it wasn’t really what I was looking for,” admitted the defender, who joined the club in mid-2023 after winning the UEFA Champions League with Manchester City just weeks earlier.

“I spoke to the club about it from the first year, they asked me to be patient. It remained the same, I had some problems there, nothing serious, that we didn’t know how to manage,” Laporte added, making it clear that his time in Saudi Arabia was far from ideal.

In his first year alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, the Spanish player was an important part of the team, appearing in 39 matches and scoring 4 goals, while his second season was less successful, with 30 appearances. These challenges were compounded by the club’s frustration over failing to secure official titles, leading to a major squad overhaul.

In that context, new Al Nassr coach Jorge Jesus made it clear from his arrival in the summer of 2025 that Laporte was not in his plans, a situation reinforced by the signing of Iñigo Martinez from Barcelona. “We decided not to continue for a third year. There was also the family aspect which was important to me,” revealed the center back.

Laporte’s return to Europe

After two unhappy years in the Saudi Pro League, Aymeric Laporte decided to leave Al Nassr and return to Europe. He had the opportunity to join Olympique Marseille, as he confirmed in his interview with RMC. “There was an approach, yes. There was interest, not only from Marseille but also from other clubs,” the defender said.

“There was the idea of getting closer to home, to my father, my family. I was determined to return to my roots. That’s what made me come back to Bilbao,” Laporte added. Ultimately, the Spanish defender chose to join Athletic Club, where he had previously played between 2012 and 2018, making over 200 appearances.

This season, Laporte has played 16 matches with Athletic Club across competitions, and while he has been a key player, he has not always been available due to physical issues. Now, he aims to stay healthy for the team’s biggest challenge of the season: Athletic Club is in the Copa del Rey semifinals, where they lost 1-0 against Real Sociedad in the first leg.

Mexico’s national team is finalizing its preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

With just four months until the 2026 World Cup kicks off, national teams are entering the final stages of their preparation. Mexico are no exception, with the added responsibility of serving as one of the tournament’s three host nations.

“The Mexican Football Federation has already finalized El Tri’s final three opponents,” Marca reported this week, citing a report from TUDN. “Mexico will face Australia, Ghana, and Serbia.”

The dates for those matches have not yet been announced, but they are expected to take place in the days leading up to the start of the tournament. Before that, Javier Aguirre’s team will play at least two additional friendlies. The first is scheduled for February 25 against Iceland at Estadio Corregidora in Queretaro.

Then, during the March FIFA international break, Mexico will face Portugal at Estadio Azteca. Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to be the main attraction, although it has not yet been confirmed whether the 41-year-old forward will take part in the match.

Following those games, Mexico will play the previously mentioned friendlies against Australia, Ghana, and Serbia. According to TUDN’s report, two of those three matches will be held in Mexico, though the venues have not yet been announced, while the remaining game will take place at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.

Mexico’s opponents in the World Cup

Mexico will have the honor of kicking off the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament’s opening match is set for June 11 at Estadio Azteca, where El Tri will face South Africa in the Group A opener.

Javier Aguirre and his squad will return to action a week later. On June 18, this time at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico will face South Korea in their second group-stage match.

Group A play will conclude on June 24. On that day, South Africa and South Korea will face each other while, simultaneously, Mexico will play their third opponent. That team has yet to be determined and will emerge from a European playoff to be decided in March: Denmark, North Macedonia, Czechia, or Ireland.

Lamine Yamal endured a painful defeat with Barcelona against Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey.

On Thursday, Barcelona suffered their toughest blow of the 2025-26 season. Lamine Yamal’s side fell 4-0 to Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals, leaving them in a very difficult position heading into the return match.

For Yamal, the night at Estadio Metropolitano will go down as the worst defeat of his professional career. Since making his Barcelona debut in April 2023, the young Spanish winger had never lost a match by four or more goals. The loss marked an unwanted first in what has otherwise been a meteoric rise.

The closest comparison prior to Thursday’s defeat against Atletico Madrid came in another high-stakes clash against a domestic powerhouse. In the 2024 Spanish Super Cup final, Real Madrid handed Barcelona a 4-1 loss to lift the trophy.

Other notable defeats since Lamine became part of the first team include a 3-0 loss to Chelsea in the current UEFA Champions League league phase and a 4-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the 2023-24 Champions League quarterfinals. In none of those matches was Yamal able to get on the scoresheet to alter the course of the game.

The remarkable 73-year streak Barcelona ended

Barcelona’s loss to Atletico Madrid will carry historical weight for several reasons. Chief among them was the blistering start by the hosts, who scored twice in the opening 14 minutes and built a 4-0 lead by halftime.

The last time Barcelona went into halftime trailing by four goals was 73 years ago. According to sports statistics account MisterChip on X, Real Madrid were the last team to achieve such a margin, leading 4-0 at the break during a 1953-54 La Liga match that eventually ended 5-0 in favor of Los Blancos.

A heavy defeat for Hansi Flick as well

Just as it is difficult to find a poorer first-half performance in Barcelona’s modern history than Thursday’s showing in the Copa del Rey, the same can be said for Hansi Flick’s managerial career.

Nothing similar had happened during his time at Barcelona, nor in his previous spells with Germany’s national team or Bayern Munich. The only comparable instance dates back to his early coaching days with Hoffenheim in Germany’s fourth division in 2005. That year, his team trailed 4-1 at halftime against Kickers Offenbach in a match that ultimately ended in a 6-2 defeat.